Frequently Asked Questions: Is Retin-A the Best Treatment for Wrinkles?
What's the most effective treatment for wrinkles?
This is probably the question I hear most often from my clients. Before answering, I always examine their skin. Frequently my exams of women over fifty turns up similar results. Their skin is red, scaly, and bone dry. When I ask them if they're using Retin-A (or another topical formulation of the prescription drug tretinoin) they usually exclaim, "How did you know?" I know because their skin looks unhappy.
Prescription Retinoids: The Downsides of an Aggressive Anti-aging Approach While many dermatologists promote tretinoin and other prescription-strength retinoids as the gold standard in wrinkle reduction, I've seen the damage they can do firsthand. There are several reasons these products can actually wrinkles worse:
Excessive inflammation and irritation: Prescription retinoids are a very harsh and invasive anti-aging approach that's only suitable for complexions that can tolerate strong topical chemicals without developing severe side effects. Their negative impact on sensitive or delicate skin can range from an itchy, blistering rash and other symptoms of eczema to "orange peel" skin, enlarged pores, and spider veins. The long-term effects of these prescription formulas are also a concern. People who apply them every day, year after year are courting chronic inflammation. While it's true that short bouts of inflammation can stimulate collagen growth, inflammation that persists over the long term actually accelerates collagen breakdown. That means wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of skin aging will appear faster than they would without any treatment.
Dehydration: Tretinoin and similar products can over exfoliate the skin, disrupting its acid mantle. This thin film of natural body oils and perspiration protects our complexion from moisture loss as well as bacteria, pollutants, and harsh weather. Products that strip away this protective film can dehydrate and stress skin cells, impairing the flow of fluids and nutrients that enable them to function efficiently and maintain their plump, youthful shape. This loss of structural integrity and healthy functioning gradually reduces the skin's strength and resilience. As the skin becomes weaker, it loses its natural resistance to lines and creases from squinting, frowning, and other facial movements and expressions.
Extreme sun sensitivity: Dry, overexploited skin is extremely vulnerable to the aging effects of ultraviolet rays. These effects stem from a combination of inflammation, free radical damage, and dehydration that wreaks havoc on skin cells. Cellular damage from UV rays is the number one cause of not only wrinkles, but also skin cancer.
Gentle Alternatives to Aggressive Wrinkle Reduction Treatments Advanced European skincare offers a safer, more gradual path to a smooth, younger-looking complexion: Organic serums and face creams that combine a milder vitamin A derivative such as retinol with vitamin C provide the same benefits as prescription retinoids without damaging side effects. Another plus: the nutrient-rich botanical oils and humectants in high-quality organic serums and creams maximize wrinkle protection by hydrating and nourishing skin cells and sealing in moisture.
A series of organic peels gradually improves the appearance of existing facial lines and other visible signs of aging. In addition to providing these rejuvenating benefits, this approach strengthens the skin's natural defenses against wrinkle formation. By harnessing the anti-aging power of mild fruit acids, multifunctional antioxidants, and circulatory stimulation, this classic European treatment gently exfoliates old, worn-out surface skin while optimizing cellular functioning and increasing collagen production. The treatment process includes a deeply hydrating mask fortified with natural anti-inflammatories to minimize the risk of dryness, irritation, and extreme sun sensitivity. Even so, it's important to remember that freshly exfoliated skin always requires extra attention to hydration and UV protection.
Timeless Beauty Wisdom These pain-free skincare options disprove the popular notion that we have to suffer to look beautiful. While "miracle" treatments come and go, the simple truth remains the same. Happy, balanced skin is the key to lasting beauty and youthfulness.